Agrius cingulata, Stokesdale, Rockingham County, North Carolina,
September 20, 2007, courtesy of Kate Keeton Julian.
This page is inspired by and dedicated to Kate Keeton Julian who sent me the image (top of page) of an Agrius cingulata caterpillar she found climbing a deck rail in her yard in Stokesdale, Rockingham County, September 20, 2007.
Kate writes, September 20, 2007, "Could you please tell me what type of caterpillar this is? I saw one climbing my deck rail last evening, and one crossing a gravel path this morning. What does this species eat, and what will it turn into? Also, when I picked it up, it released some green liquid onto my finger. What was that?"
The green fluid was "vomit" or regurgitated food matter. I do not know whether this is just the result of a nervous response or if there is some odor in the liquid that might deter a would-be predator.
Kate also sends the image of the heavily parasitized Manduca sexta larva at the bottom of the page. Note the red horn.
For care of "found larvae/caterpillars and or pupae" visit Manduca sexta larva, central Texas, August 21, 2008, Trina Woodall.
Thirty-six Sphingidae species are listed for North Carolina on the U.S.G.S. website. Not all of the species are reported or anticipated in Rockingham County (None are reported on U.S.G.S. as of September 2007). It is hoped that this checklist, with the thumbnails and notes, will help you quickly identify the caterpillars (larvae) you are likely to encounter.
A "WO" after the species name indicates that I have no confirmed reports of this species in Guilford County, but I (William Oehlke) expect that this moth is present or might be present.
A "USGS" indicates the moth is reported on the USGS website and/or in Lepidoptera of North America, #1. Distribution of Silkmoths (Saturniidae) and Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) of Eastern North America, an excellent little booklet available through Paul Opler.
Please help me develop this list with improved, documented accuracy by sending sightings (species, date, location), preferably with an electronic image, via email to Bill Oehlke.
Sphinginae subfamily
Smerinthini Tribe:
Macroglossinae subfamilyDilophonotini tribe:
See Hemaris comparison to help distinguish the next three species.
Philampelini tribe:
Macroglossini tribe:
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Manduca sexta larva, heavily parasitized, feeding on tomato
foliage,
Stokesdale, September 22, 2007,
Kate Keeton Julian.
Enjoy some of nature's wonderments, giant silk moth cocoons. These cocoons are for sale winter and fall. Beautiful Saturniidae moths will emerge the following spring and summer. Read Actias luna rearing article. Additional online help available.
Eggs of many North American species are offered during the spring and summer. Occasionally summer Actias luna and summer Antheraea polyphemus cocoons are available. Shipping to US destinations is done from with in the US.
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Please send sightings/images to Bill. I will do my best to respond to requests for identification help.
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I very much appreciate all the many images that have been sent to me, or of which I have been granted permission to copy and post from other websites. All images on this site remain the property of respective photographers.
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